Health Briefs: Jan. 10, 2013

Phlebotomy class

St. Johns River State College will hold registration through Feb. 7 for its upcoming Phlebotomy class. Registration will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at all campuses.

Classes for the Phlebotomy program will be offered Mondays through Thursdays from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Orange Park campus from Feb. 21 through April 26. Clinical hours and locations will be announced at a later date.

Those planning to register for the Phlebotomy program must have completed the Health Careers Core 90-hour course (HCP0001) prior to registration.

SJR State College’s Phlebotomy program prepares students for employment as phlebotomists or health care support workers in hospitals, nursing homes and home health care agencies. A vocational certificate is awarded upon successful completion of the course. There is no state licensure required for phlebotomists.

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, have a high school diploma or GED and be a resident of Putnam, Clay or St. Johns counties. Applicants must also complete an application to SJR State College and pay the application fee prior to registration. Applicants should also complete the residency affidavit and turn in acceptable forms of identification.

Those planning to attend the class must complete a background check, drug screening, recent physical with shot records (including influenza) and current TB test prior to the first day of class.

This training activity is supported through a Community-Based Jobs Training grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. Information: 386-312-4176.

Ribbon cutting

An opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for a new clinic located in Palencia, is planned Jan. 25 by Dr. Jose Medina, who has a large primary office in Valdosta, Ga. He is opening Palencia Medical Clinic, a satellite office for Pulmonary and Sleep Studies in Palencia,

Ceremonies begin at 4:30 p.m. Jan. 25.

On Jan. 26 a free health screening for sleep disorders, asthma, COPD, etc. will be offered from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

The MMM, or multi-modality method, utilizes music, movement, manual motion (American Sign Language) and mindful meditation to create new wiring in the brain, speeding up and improving healthy cognitive processes, says Linda Stoler, M.A., CCC- SLP, a speech language pathologist, educator, poet, songwriter and literacy consultant of more than 45 years. This is a free, introductory, four-week, eight-hour course.

Participants will become more mindful, have better listening skills, greater focus, attention and memory while enhancing communication, says Stoler. “They will experience more physical assuredness, greater vitality, joy and enthusiasm for life. Creativity and imagination will be sparked. A definite way to prevent cognitive decline.”

Neuroscience points to research that the adult brain holds its plasticity as it ages. This means that the brain is able to create new, healthy neurons and synapses well into the later years. The aging brain is able to remain viable, flexible and joyful as it encounters new activities to expand memory.

Stoler has produced four music CDs, a DVD, and is currently completing a book. She has used the MMM: multi-modality method with children and adults to enhance brain changes, communication and interconnection in circles throughout the United States for many years and is excited to bring her Class size is limited. Early registration is recommended. Call Stoler at 436-5265, (802) 343-2076 or email lstoler9@gmail.com.

First Coast Technical College’s Paramedic program is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), which makes FCTC students eligible to take the National Registry Exam.

Northeast Florida has many paramedic programs that do not have CAAHEP accreditation. After January students who enroll in a paramedic program that is not accredited by CAAHEP, will not be eligible to take the National Registry Exam, according to The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. Students should consider training at an accredited program to remain eligible for national certification.

FCTC is accepting applications for Paramedic, EMT and Firefighting programs scheduled to begin for Spring Session. Prerequisites apply so early application is encouraged. Financial aid is available for those who qualify. For information call 547-3542 or go to www.fctc.edu and click Programs of Study.